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Commission continues hearing on Isaac Street zoning change; staff to draft resolution for Aug. 19
Summary
After extensive debate over parking, density and spot‑zoning risk, Norwalk's Planning and Zoning Commission asked staff and the law department to draft a resolution on a zoning text amendment affecting 21–23 Isaac St.; the hearing was continued and the coastal site plan review was deferred to Aug. 19.
The commission conducted a lengthy public hearing Aug. 5 on a proposed zoning text amendment tied to 21–23 Isaac St. (the Wall Street Opportunity Fund project) and ultimately instructed staff to draft language for a resolution to be considered at the Aug. 19 meeting.
Attorney Adam Blank and owner Jason Milligan explained the project's history (original approval for extended‑stay rooms later modified into a split of apartments and extended‑stay units) and asked the commission to permit conversion of previously‑approved dormitory/extended‑stay units to multifamily apartments without increasing the approved dwelling‑unit total. Blank said the conversion would reduce the total dwelling units (224→207), add parking (162→~209) and increase deed‑restricted affordable units from 10 to 20; he also described the possibility of additional affordable units through the Build for CT program.
Staff and several commissioners expressed concern about whether the change is effectively “spot zoning,” about how the updated definition of “dwelling unit” and current parking rules affect the project, and whether the change should be treated as a minor modification or require a new application. Director Steve advised caution and asked for a legal review; staff recommended holding the hearing open to compile additional analysis, and the commission chose a middle path — it instructed staff to draft a resolution consistent with the presentation and scheduled formal action for Aug. 19. Public comment included support from Mark Allen of the Wall Street Neighborhood Association, who said the project would provide public parking and naturally affordable housing for artists and students.
